Wigan fight back after defeat

Wigan are to write an official letter of complaint to the Premier League, the Football Association and referees' chief Keith Hackett in relation to the conduct of referee Phil Dowd.

Following Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Wigan manager Paul Jewell accused Dowd of using abusive language towards his players throughout the Barclays Premiership game.

In a statement released to PA Sport the club 'allege that a number of their players were verbally abused in an aggressive and menacing manner by Mr Dowd'.

Jewell has also vowed to launch a vigorous defence of himself after being charged with improper conduct by the FA.

Jewell launched an on-the-pitch broadside at Dowd in the wake of Sunday's game, with the 43-year-old seen pointing an accusing finger.

English football's governing body are also looking into Jewell's post-match comments in which he roundly condemned the performance of Dowd.

Jewell is determined to clear his name, and has already requested a personal hearing.

"We, as a club, will be fighting this tooth and nail," insisted Jewell. "We owe it to our supporters to fight this, because if I just shrug my shoulders and do nothing when I feel an injustice has been done, it would be letting them down.

"I have been overwhelmed with the support I have had from inside the game, big figures who I respect a great deal.

"They have told me in no uncertain terms that I must take this all the way, and that's what I intend to do."